The dream of Shangri la
or an Independent Tibet remains a distant but obvious one. The heart of every Tibetan,
who has a very strong inclination toward their roots, is filled with angst
against the Chinese subjugation. They dream of an independent Tibet where they
can practice their religion, their culture and this feeling of nationalism
hasn't been deterred by any occupational external threat, especially from those
who 'just want the land not the people'. For the unaware, Tibetan culture is
very unique and different. They have their own set of customs which make them
different from the Chinese. Despite having a huge number of diaspora in thirty
plus countries, their culture hasn't been hindered or diluted.
What is it about Tibet?
Since ancient times,
the Tibetan plateau was enjoying its sovereignty and good relationships with different
countries. The famous silk route was one of the prominent trade points of every
nation. In the year 1959, the Chinese government led by Mao began an assault on
the Tibetan kingdom which led to a series of fierce fighting between both
parties and resulted in genocide of tens of thousands of innocent Tibetans. Around
twice the number left the chaotic region and moved to the neighboring
countries. Eventually, Tibetans were unable to withstand the Chinese assault,
and they surrendered, realizing the imperialistic desire of Mao. The Chinese
intentions were such that they wanted to abduct the spiritual guru, His
holiness Dalai lama but were unsuccessful as the Tibetan guru in disguise fled
the country taking asylum in India in Dharamshala where he is still there and
running the government in exile with the help of Indian authorities and his
staunch followers.
The Battle for Independence…
Since then, there have
been a series of cases of human rights violation in Tibet and its ironical that
while there are strong evidences of it, nothing has been done so far, even by
the United Nations. Self-immolations of Tibetan monks, farmers and student
altogether has become a common phenomenon. The capital, Lhasa, has become a
highly fortified town and one of the highly militarized zones in the whole
world. Without Beijing’s permission nobody is allowed to visit there, foreign
media is banned, and the Tibetan people who are holding high positions in the Chinese
government and are loyal to the state are also subjected to discrimination.
Even to visit Tibet for family reunification, the Tibetan people living outside
find it very cumbersome. The Chinese government is highly skeptical about every
outsider visiting Tibet and hence most of them generally give up.
The situation now…
Because of the Chinese
military and the faltering economy most countries are reluctant to step in and
the native Tibetans are dying a slow death from the oppressions of Chinese.
World powers have been silent on these issues as they might face the ire of the
Chinese government which will effect economic as well as the Geo politics of
the countries.
As we, the people of a
humanely united world, we should do something which can stop this mayhem and
make the world a more peaceful to live. One of the most famous and beloved
Presidents of U.S.A Mr. Abraham Lincoln once said “Force is all conquering but
it's victories are short lived”. The expansionist policy of any country will
not be successful in a long run someday and it will for sure backfire. Motto of
“live and let others live” should be followed by every human civilization.
-Mr. Prateek
Student, INLEAD
Batch: April 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment